WACHIAY FRIENDSHIP CENTRE

1625 McPhee Avenue, Courtenay, BC, V9N 3A6

Phone: 250-338-7793

Fax: 250-338-7287

Email: reception@wachiay.org

Hours: Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm (Closed 12-1 for lunch)

“Wachiay is a Cree word for ‘welcome.’ At Wachiay Friendship Centre, we seek to welcome every member of our community and provide services reflective of the needs of urban Indigenous peoples and all those experiencing inequity.”

Programs & Services

NOTE:  Please call for appointment or program registration.

Community Law Advocacy: The Community Law Advocacy program provides free legal information, advocacy, and representation to low-income people in the community. Although advocates are not lawyers, they may be able to help resolve the legal issue or make an effective referral to a lawyer who can.

Family Law: Referrals, legal advice and representation for family law matters such as child or spousal support, divorce, separation, property division and more.

Community Care and Housing Support: The Wachiay Friendship Centre offers support to individuals facing housing precarity, homelessness, or financial challenges.

Employment Life Skills Training (ELST): The ELST program focuses on assisting Indigenous clients, requiring that at least 80% of participants be Indigenous, who are unemployed, underemployed or students, to secure employment and advance their education.

  • For more information please visit: https://www.wachiay.org/elst
  • Program Coordinator: Kim Doerkson
  • Phone: 778-225-0312 / Email: ELST@wachiay.org

Government Benefits Advocacy: The Government Benefits Advocacy Program aims to increase the public’s access and information of government services and benefits.

Jordan’s Principle: To assist BC First Nations children and families with access to publicly funded products, services, and supports, as well as preparation/submission of requests to Jordan’s Principle.

  • For more information on funding please visit: https://www.wachiay.org/jordan-s-principle
  • Service Coordinator: Shane Colclough (He/Him)
    • Phone: 250-702-5536 (text or call) / Email: shane.c@wachiay.org
  • Regional Service Coordinator:  Danielle (She/Her)
    • Phone: 250-792-4777 (text or call) / Email: danielle.c@wachiay.org

Mental Health Programming: Trauma-informed mental health programming, for rural and urban Indigenous communities, that safely address mental health concerns and support mental wellness within community-based, holisitic, and integrated services.

Path Forward: The Path Forward Program at the Wachiay Friendship Centre provides comprehensive support to those affected by gender-based violence. It offers one-on-one support for individuals facing domestic violence, alongside self-defense classes and the Women’s Circle for community building and emotional healing.

Recreating the Village: Recreating the Village is a community-rooted program offered through the Wachiay Friendship Centre that supports Indigenous families in reconnecting with their cultural strengths, nurturing secure parent-child relationships, and building a strong sense of belonging.

  • Phone:  778-225-0315 / Email: rtv@wachiay.org
  • Program Coordinator: Tricia Dan

Roots Practitioner: works with children and youth in care of the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) to identify their ancestry, extended family and community as early as possible.

  • Program Coordinator: Mary
  • Phone: 778-225-0303

Programs for Elders and Families: 

  • Elder Lunch: Offers healthy and nutritious meals, which are prepared and served, in a friendly setting to build relationships and enjoy a meal together. Takes place every Wednesday 12-2pm.
  • Family Night: Offers families a chance to socialize and build community connections. When the weather permits, gatherings often happen outdoors. Takes place every Thursday from 4:30-7pm
  • For more information contact Naomi Coutts (Program Coordinator):
    • Phone:  778-225-0305 / Email: naomi@wachiay.com

FASD Keyworker:  Working with and providing a range of supports to families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, including strengthening existing community supports and resources and helping families navigate the various processes necessary to access those resources.

Helping Hands:  Provides emergency services and assistance for families and individuals. For details on specific supplies, medical and/or travel assistance, please contact reception. 

  • Contact: Joyce
  • Phone:  778-225-0292 / Email: reception@wachiay.org

Homelessness Prevention: The Homelessness Prevention Program assists those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Youth Programming:

  • Bears Youth Program: ages 6-12 years old
    • Tuesdays: 3:30-5:30pm
  • Eagles Youth Program: ages 13-18 years old
    • Wednesdays: 3:30-5pm
  • Everyone Welcome Swim: Swimming is held at the Aquatic Centre. Parent/guardian supervision is mandatory for children and youth unable to swim on their own. 
    • Every second Wednesday: 6:30-8:00pm
  • United Way BC School’s Out Program: ages 6-12 years old
    • Every Tuesday and Thursday: 3:30-5:30pm
    • *This is offered following school schedule, pausing for summer break and resuming when school begins in the Fall

Early Childhood Development (ages 0-6 years): For families with children ages 0-6, we welcome you to visit the Wachiay Friendship Centre for a free and fun program. This program is a great opportunity to enjoy child centered play through planned activities and free play with Indigenous cultural components.

  • Hummingbirds: Provides a healthy breakfast and culturally-based programming for parents and children – Every Monday: 10-12pm
  • Family Circle: Incorporates Indigenous culture and includes interactive programming (drumming, singing, story-telling, and traditional teachings) – Every Friday: 10-12pm

Clever Raven Aboriginal Head Start: Childcare program that aims to be a community hub for families and the broader community. Families are heavily involved and fully welcomed in the space, and children’s ancestry and cultural traditions are supported and actively brought into the programming.

  • For more information please visit: https://www.wachiay.org/daycare
  • Contact: 778-225-0316 (Toddlers, 18 months to 3 years) / 778-225-0318 (Preschoolers, 3 to 5 years)

Wachiay Studio: Wachiay Studio is a friendly, Comox Valley business that specializes in water-based screen printing.